Beaumont celebrates RE/MAX Communications school's 30th Anniversary

Royal Oak – Beaumont Children’s is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the RE/MAX Communication Preschool Program at Beaumont Children's in Royal Oak, Michigan. The program is believed to be Michigan's first, hospital-based preschool program for children with speech and language difficulties.

Since the program's inception in 1992, agents and brokers from RE/MAX of Southeastern Michigan have contributed nearly $1.6 million to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® to fund the RE/MAX Communication Preschool Program. The program is designed for children ages 3 to 6 with speech or language impairments. Scholarships are available for qualified students.

Classroom sessions at the RE/MAX Communication Preschool Program are taught by a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist and a certified teacher with an early childhood education background and special education experience. The program uses a language-based approach and focuses on cognitive skills, comprehension, verbal expression, fine and gross motor skills and academic readiness.

Everly Soper enrolled in the program in March 2021 when she turned 3. At the time of her enrollment, Everly could only say 25 or 50 words and could not speak in complete sentences due to childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), a motor speech disorder in which a child has difficulty making accurate movements when speaking.

"Being around other children with speaking disabilities makes Everly more comfortable," said Everly's mom, Holly Soper. "Speech therapists are in the classroom along with a preschool teacher and assistant, so the children get a lot of one-on-one attention. The school has been a blessing. Everly would not be where she's at without the school and all of her hard work."

According to Beaumont Children’s Kellie Bouren, program manager for the pre-school, Everly’s progress, in terms of growing speech and language mastery, is only part of the equation. Her self-esteem has also improved significantly, along with social skills and ability to manage her emotions.

“When kids enroll, they are often frustrated, lonely and not as comfortable interacting with peers, teachers and therapists,” Bouren said. “It’s wonderful to see them grow and flourish as their abilities improve”

Today, Everly can say 400 to 500 words and use full sentences. She has also learned different communication methods, including sign language and use of a speech-generating device. She has been in the program for two years, attending twice a week, and will stay until she begins Kindergarten.

"We are extremely proud of our brokers and agents for their ongoing commitment to support the RE/MAX Communication Preschool Program," said Pam Bellante, marketing director, RE/MAX of Southeastern Michigan. "This unique program ensures local children with speech and language impairments receive the treatment and services they urgently need. It is incredibly rewarding to see children's progress because of this program."